DVA Medical Records: How to Access Personal Information and Strengthen Your Claim
Many veterans refer to “DVA medical records” when talking about their personal health and service history held by the Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA). While this isn’t an official term, it’s a widely used way to describe what DVA formally classifies as personal information. It’s important to know that veterans do not need to access or submit these records when making a claim—DVA already holds medical documentation from your time in the ADF and reviews it, alongside any new medical evidence you provide, when assessing your eligibility. That said, accessing your personal information can help you stay informed and better understand what DVA may be reviewing. This guide explains what’s included, how to request it, and how it can support clearer communication—not evidence gathering.
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Understanding What Is Personal Information?
DVA classifies personal information as any record of your health, treatment history, claim outcomes, or service-related documentation. This may include:
Service-related medical summaries
Treatment records and clinical notes
Claim documentation under MRCA
Specialist reports or correspondence
Veterans can access this information through two pathways:
Personal Information Access (PIA): An informal process for straightforward documents like accepted claim files and treatment records.
Freedom of Information (FOI): A formal route used if a PIA request is denied or if you’re seeking complex or sensitive information.
FOI Request Requirements
If you lodge an FOI request, you must:
Apply in writing (via email or post)
State that it’s made under the Freedom of Information Act 1982
Include enough detail to help DVA locate the documents
Provide a return email or postal address
What Can’t Be Accessed?
Some documents may not be released under MRCA, including those that:
Are unrelated to your personal claim
Are publicly available elsewhere
Are legally privileged (e.g. legal advice to DVA)
Contain internal DVA opinions, drafts or recommendations
Could cause harm if released, in the opinion of the MRCC
If you’re unsure where to start—or don’t have a current claim, you can submit an enquiry to DVA’s Information Access Unit (IAU). Most veterans begin with a PIA request, and DVA will advise if a FOI application is needed.
How to Access Your Personal Information
Although you don’t need to access these records to submit a claim, reviewing them can provide clarity about what DVA holds and how your history is represented. There are a few ways to do this:
Option 1: Use MyService
If your claim was submitted via MyService, log in through myGov to:
View personal and contact details
Track your claim status
Review accepted conditions
See treating provider information
Note: MyService does not include paper-based claims or your complete service history, which must be requested from Defence.
Option 2: Contact Your DVA Delegate
If you submitted a manual claim or want to clarify a current application, contact your assigned delegate. They can only discuss current claims, not past ones, and are often the quickest point of contact.
Option 3: Submit an Information Request
If you need broader access, complete the Access Personal Information Form (D9330) to request:
Medical treatment records
Claim documentation
Specialist reports or DVA correspondence
You’ll need to include:
Your full name and contact details
Certified ID (e.g. driver’s licence or passport)
Consent if acting on behalf of someone else
Your preferred delivery method (email or post)
Send the completed form to DVA by email or post. Processing may take several weeks depending on the complexity and age of the records.
Why Personal Information Access Matters
DVA’s decision-making process already includes your ADF medical records, so you’re not expected to gather or submit these separately. However, accessing your personal information can still be useful if you’d like to understand what DVA has on file. It may help clarify how your condition and service history are recorded, give insight into what DVA may consider when reviewing your claim, and support clearer communication with your advocate or delegate. While not required, having visibility over your records can offer peace of mind and help you feel more prepared throughout the process.
Common Questions About Accessing Personal Information
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Only with written permission. DVA protects your privacy and will not release information without consent.
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Requests usually take a few weeks. More complex or older files may take longer to process.
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You can request access to your personal information by submitting the correct form with a certified ID Representatives need written consent.
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DVA may contact you for clarification. Some documents may be stored across multiple systems. Follow-up requests can be submitted.
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No. DVA already holds and reviews the necessary records to make a decision. Accessing them is for your understanding—not a claim requirement.
Take Control of Your DVA Claim Today
Understanding what DVA holds on your file can improve communication and give you peace of mind throughout the claims process. If you’d like help navigating your next step, start your claim today with expert support from Veterans First Consulting.
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